Slow start - for Solihull Moors (Image: Lucy Copsey)
ECHOSPORT talks to Solihull Moors fan Callum Moseley ahead of Saturday's match with Southend United.
Solihull have taken three points from their opening five games. What have you made of the start to the season?
"It’s a tricky one.
"If you’d have offered Moors fans three points from our first three - Forest Green at home, Sutton away and Carlisle away - most would be happy with that.
"However, it’s sadly been followed by two very poor performances.
"Losing heavily at home to Aldershot is never a good sign given how much pressure Matt Taylor is already under.
"Against Altrincham, it was another loss and whilst the result was closer - the performance didn't feel like a side that wanted to prove themselves after a big defeat previously.
"We had a very good summer in terms of signings. James Clarke was retained while good players like Dan Creaney, Oscar Rutherford and Brad Nicholson for example all came in.
"Our squad currently is stronger than last season's - even despite Jack Stevens’ exit - but it’s still not clicking at the moment.
"As a fan, I am very concerned with the upcoming run and where we could be in let's say a month’s time."
What have been the problems so far and how are the fans feeling?
"A lack of identity for me is the biggest factor affecting Solihull Moors at present.
"Matt Taylor has been in charge since January but as a side we've only managed four wins under him and kept two clean sheets.
"There doesn't appear to be a set style of play or even a set 11 each week and that's a big red flag for me.
"The club has an-almost toxic feel to it in terms of fans reaction to the poor results.
"Attendances have dropped significantly, I believe we only had just over 900 for the game against Aldershot including the away fans.
"If you read social media comments, you’ll soon see that a large majority of the Solihull Moors fanbase feel as though we are overdue a managerial change.
"I won't publicly wish for anyone to lose their job of course but as we know football is a results-based business and Neal Ardley more recently was sacked for better form than this."
Has the team changed much since last season?
"In short yes. Solihull underwent a huge transition during the summer and said goodbye to roughly 15 first-team players.
"This included the departure of players like Elliot Thorpe, Joe Newton and Marcel Oakley - who were three individuals I wanted to see stay.
"A lot of quality has come in, ensuring that Matt Taylor has certainly been backed this summer to make sure he gets the right players into the club that he feels he needs.
"Tactically, not too much has changed but looking at this season’s squad on paper compared to last season’s - there is a significant difference between the two."
Who is the dangerman?
"It goes without saying that Dan Creaney is a threat.
"He had an outstanding season with Tamworth and has started fairly well at Solihull despite the form thus far.
"Alex Whitmore is a physical presence at the back, who works hard and battles for everything.
"He will be a threat in both boxes and will be difficult to get past.
"It also may sound a little strange, but Laurie Walker in goal has been a big positive this season.
"He's worked hard ever since coming back from a loan stint at Oxford City, reclaimed the number one role and has single handedly kept us in some big matches recently."
What's the team news?
"Conor Wilkinson is absent we believe due to injury, not sure when he'll be back but he hasn't been involved since his substitute appearance against Sutton.
"Jamey Osborne took a knock against Altrincham and was taken off after just 51 minutes.
"I'm assuming he could be absent but we aren't completely sure.
"Aside from that, I don't believe there has been any fresh injury concerns within the camp and no new players have came in either."
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